The automation of
a business process, in whole or part, during which documents, information or
tasks are passed from one participant* to another for action, according to a set
of procedural rules. *participant = resource
(human or machine)
The Key Benefits of Workflow
Improved
efficiency - automation of many business processes results in the elimination
of many unnecessary steps
Better
process control - improved management of business processes achieved
through standardizing working methods and the availability of audit
trails
Improved
customer service – consistency in the processes leads to greater predictability
in levels of response to customers
Flexibility
– software control over processes enables their redesign in line with
changing business needs
Business
process improvement - focus on business processes leads to their streamlining
and simplification
Why Should a Business Use Workflow?
The Evolution of Workflow Workflow Management consists of the automation
of business procedures or "workflows" during which documents, information
or tasks are passed from one participant to another in a way that is
governed by rules or procedures.
Workflow
software products, like other software technologies, have evolved from
diverse origins. While some offerings have been developed as pure workflow
software, many have evolved from image management systems, document
management systems, relational or object database systems, and electronic
mail systems as you'll see in the white papers and case studies offered
here (free download).
Vendors
who have developed pure workflow offerings have invented terms and
interfaces, while vendors who have evolved products from other
technologies have often adapted terminology and interfaces. Each approach
offers a variety of strengths from which a user can choose. Adding a
standards-based approach allows a user to combine these strengths in one
infrastructure.
The
Workflow Management Coalition
has developed a framework for the
establishment of workflow standards. This framework includes five
categories of interoperability and communication standards that will
allow multiple workflow products to coexist and interoperate within a
user's environment.
(Note: The free case studies offered on this site are NOT included
in this book. There is no duplication, you get fresh information in the
eBooks.)
To be notified when the eBooks
are available, simply
complete the short form on the top right (you'll also have access to more
free papers and chapters from recent publications on BPM and Workflow).
